Distinguished Sen. Ali Ndume (APC–Borno South), has called for an urgent review of the salaries and welfare packages of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to reflect current economic realities.
Ndume made the call through a motion titled “Urgent need to increase the minimum wage and improve conditions of service for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” which is expected to be debated on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.
The senator, a former Senate Leader, said the existing wage structure for military personnel was “grossly inadequate” in view of the sacrifices they make to protect the nation.
“Our soldiers are risking their lives daily in defence of the nation. They deserve pay that reflects their sacrifice and the high-risk conditions under which they serve,” Ndume stated.
He revealed that the current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the armed forces ranges between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, which, he said, is far below what is needed to cope with inflation and rising living costs.
Ndume warned that poor remuneration and delayed allowances have resulted in low morale, attrition, and financial hardship among personnel, noting that such conditions could expose troops to corruption and weaken operational efficiency.
Comparing Nigeria’s situation with other African countries, he said a private in Ghana earns the equivalent of about ₦180,000 monthly, while in South Africa, the basic pay for similar ranks starts at about ₦250,000.
The senator emphasized that improving welfare and pay for the armed forces was critical to sustaining their morale, discipline, and commitment to national security operations.
He urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to review and harmonize the pay structure across all security agencies to ensure fairness and enhance service delivery.
